Given the fact that the brand new street circuit in Valencia has lots of construction work going on around it, the track was extremely dusty and dirty this morning.

This failed to hamper the progress of Sebastian Vettel though as he put in a fantastic performance to take the opening top slot for the first free practise session at the new venue. 

Team mate Sebastian Bourdais put in the first timed lap of 1m49.926s before Vettel came out and beat that with a 1m45.484s. 

The top time changed hands 13 times throughout the session with both Toro Rossos, Timo Glock’s Toyota, both Ferraris, both McLarens and the BMW of Kubica taking their turn in first place. 

While everyone was feeling their way around this new circuit with its slippery, low-grip conditions the McLarens stayed in their garage, only emerging after the first half of the session was over. They both came out on top form though with the team mates trading top times. 

There were a few spins along the way. Glock, Massa, Piquet and Alonso all had ragged moments but there are plenty of spacious run-off areas on this street circuit so no one connected with any walls. 

As the session was nearing its close Vettel came out to the surprise of everyone and, with an impressive time of 1m40.813s, went to the top of the timesheets. 

Massa hit back at him with a time of 1m40.654s but Vettel was not about to be deprived of his moment of glory and came straight back with a retaliation time of 1m40.496s which remained unbeaten.

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